In a Pilot for a One Hour Drama, how many characters is too many? My main cast consists of about 4-5 players, several minor characters and then background characters (you know Cop1, Reporter1, but instead I named them). In the case of Cop 1 or Bad Guy 1, should these characters even get names? Would giving them names confuse a reader or uptick the character count? For reference I went back to Breaking Bad, The Wire and The Shield...all of these shows had over 20 characters in the pilot.
Screenwriting : Screen Writing: Too Many Characters? by Carlos Pena
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References to one-hour dramas are common in the industry. I don't think the number of characters you have sounds extreme, but it will probably be easier to pitch fewer characters. I wouldn't name background characters unless you have a specific reason to, e.g. for the sake of clarity.
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Alle, maybe you're confused? I am aware that Break Bad, The Wire and The Shield are all TV Series; but they are one hour dramas. I did open with "In a Pilot…". James, thanks for the feedback. We are in accord, but I had someone's working in the industry tell me I had too many characters in the pilot. I wasn't sure if he was referring to those background characters who server no real purpose. I'll just have to go back and remove their names. I brushed it off as one opinion, but I began doubting myself.
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Indeed, one hour drama is standard industry lingo. Assuming it isn't a story level problem, try to name and describe your characters using a hierarchical system to make the reader's life easier. Full names for main characters, descriptive but creative names for the others.
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Alle, unfortunately, you're incorrect and probably basing your comment on Australian TV. However, here in the US, they are indeed called one-hour dramas and they are one hour. That's exactly how long they should be. In terms of character numbers, in a sitcom you want no more than 6 usually. In a drama, 8. That's not counting bit parts just in that one episode or non-speaking roles. I mean in terms of people listed as stars of the show.
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As a rule of thumb if the character has more then 2 or 3 lines and/or if the character is reoccurring - give them a name. Cop1, cop2, cop3 - that can get confusing and tedious to read.
Leah you just brought up a very good point. Should we ever name our character's before they are known within the dialogue except perhaps imediately before character dialogue where the character is exposed?
@Danny thanks for the feedback, always the guiding light! @Leah, that's a great piece of advice. Off to make the changes, thanks!
I think it depends on whether it is a singular production or part of something larger; and also on the story you are wanting to tell. If for example it is a part of a mini-series or series then you are placing a limitation on the story by cutting characters out to satisfy expectations of the industry; i mean, sure you want it to be produced but do you want the story to be compromised with such limitations. IMO, write the story you want to write regardless of how many characters you have; this is the rule I have learned to go by. I had some people come to me about a year ago saying dramatic writing had to be this and that; but if I had listened to them and compromised story then my vision a year ago would never have made it to screen testing this year. We are now also breaking the rules with the way we are filming with excellent results so just do it the way you want to and keep going until you find someone who shares your vision as a writer :). End of the day, it's your story to tell! IMO.
"Trim the fat" We spend time fattening up a story. We tend to beef it up with too much. That's why we trim the fat. :-) Read the story, if you feel too many characters are taking away from the quality of the current or main characters. Then trim the fat... :-)
If cop 1 and reporter 1 are basically warm bodies not real characters don't give them names
Thanks for all the feedback, it's been helpful. I've had two working actors give me the feedback about too many characters to keep up with. The story revolves around one major character then five supporting. There are other small roles which may pop in from time to time but aren't essential to the story, like a front desk clerk or a homeless man. I also tend to name the Cop1 or Reporter1 characters because it helps me remember their purpose; but I do see the point of not giving them names since they're just spitting a line or two but never heard from again.